Latimer House Receives IMLS Grant in Support of African American Heritage

— The Museum Aims to Reach Local School Population

Flushing, NY—The Lewis H. Latimer House Museum has received a federal grant totaling $24,950.00 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as one of 16 grantees in fiscal year 2017, through the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture.

The Latimer House will use this grant to further its mission in education by upgrading its School Program including lesson plans and packages connected to Lewis Latimer and meeting the New York City Common Core and New York State Standards. The funding will also enable the museum to carry out extensive outreach activities in surrounding School Districts.

Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY 6th District) expressed her support for this program: “I’m pleased that the Lewis Latimer House Museum has been awarded this federal grant and it was a pleasure to help them secure it. With this money, the museum will be able to increase its exposure to young people by developing a plan for local schools to visit their facility. The funds will cover the costs of outreach to schools and pay for the preparation and development of lesson plans. As a result, more kids will learn about the life and history of Lewis Latimer, and the pioneering contributions he made to society, particularly his role in developing the telephone and incandescent light bulb. It is critical that we preserve and promote our local history, and that we educate our children about it.”

“This will be a significant step in the museum’s efforts to reach outside its walls and educate children about Lewis H. Latimer’s undervalued contribution to the technology innovation in America,” said Ran Yan, Program Director of the Latimer House.

This year IMLS received 32 applications requesting $3,076,510. Of these, 16 projects were selected to receive funding totaling $1,485,955. IMLS’s peer reviewers evaluated all eligible and complete grant applications, assessing the merit of each proposal and its fit with the goals of the grant program.

“As centers of learning and catalysts of community change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services, collections, information, and new ideas in the arts, sciences, and humanities. They serve as vital spaces where people can connect with each other,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “IMLS is proud to support their work through our grant making as they inform and inspire all in their communities.”